Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has again placed education at the heart of his government’s development priorities, promising fresh efforts to ensure students in the state excel both locally and internationally. At a ceremony celebrating the graduation of thousands of students from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, the governor highlighted the progress achieved so far and outlined a vision that places learners at the centre of the state’s future growth.
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Renewed Pledge at Convocation by Makinde
Addressing the 40th convocation of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where over 3,300 National Diploma and Higher National Diploma graduates received certificates, Governor Makinde reiterated that his administration remains steadfast in strengthening the state’s education system. Though he was unable to attend in person, his deputy Adebayo Lawal delivered his message to applause from families, faculty and invited guests.
Governor Makinde used the moment to reflect on how far the sector has come under his leadership. He said that when his administration took over, the share of the state budget devoted to education ranged between 17 and 21 per cent. Those figures were not just numbers but commitments translated into investment in schools and human capital. He stressed that expanding teacher recruitment and boosting capacity-building programmes remain central to tackling gaps in staffing and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. Punch Newspapers
The governor’s message was clear. In an era of rapid global change, Nigerian students must be equipped with skills and knowledge that prepare them for competition anywhere in the world. He urged graduates to adopt an innovative and forward-looking mindset to meet pressures in both local and global markets.
Voices from the Ceremony
At the convocation, cultural and traditional leaders underscored the value of education beyond certificates and accolades. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who received a fellowship award for his support of education, reminded students that the real measure of success is the impact they make in their communities. He encouraged graduates to become proud ambassadors of their alma mater and of the values they acquired in school.
In celebration of excellence, the Ooni also announced a N5 million gift to the best graduating student and additional prizes for outstanding honours across departmental disciplines. These gestures echoed the theme of rewarding hard work and fostering a culture that celebrates academic achievement.
Skills and Future Prospects of Makinde’s Commitment
The Acting Rector of The Polytechnic, Taiwo Lasisi, shared insights into the composition of the graduating class. Of the nearly 4,400 students who completed their programmes across various faculties, the top overall graduate achieved an impressive 3.87 CGPA. He emphasised a key shift in the institution’s approach: no graduate was sent out into the world without having learned a useful skill during their studies. This strategy, he argued, will help reduce unemployment and prepare young people to create jobs for others.
Beyond technical training, Lasisi used the platform to call on the Federal Government to revisit the policy on polytechnic education. He suggested that allowing polytechnics to award degree qualifications with a focus on Bachelor of Technology would remove long-standing disparities between polytechnic and university graduates. He pointed to how other countries, including China and the United Kingdom, have reformed their technical education systems to reflect global demand for practical and applied knowledge.
Ongoing Commitment Across the State
Governor Makinde’s speech at the convocation aligns with a broader pattern of investment in education since he assumed office. Over the past few years, his government has repeatedly affirmed that education is not merely a budgetary line item but a central pillar of sustainable development. Independent reports show that the governor has supported the inauguration of governing councils for universities and technical institutions, secured improvements in infrastructure, and backed staff and teacher development initiatives.
Makinde’s administration has also highlighted the importance of quality nursing education and skills training, promising increased resources for health-related education and accreditation efforts that enhance standards across campuses.
Moreover, at forums such as the International Study Abroad Fair, the governor emphasised the importance of combining local education with global exposure. He encouraged pathways that help young Nigerians gain skills abroad and then return home to apply what they have learned, fostering innovation and development within their communities.
As Oyo State continues to roll out policies aimed at improving access to quality education from primary through tertiary levels, stakeholders from families to educators and community leaders are watching closely. Many see these trends as signs of progress, while others urge persistent focus on hard issues such as employment for graduates and the equity of opportunities across urban and rural areas.
Looking Ahead
As the convocation drew to a close, it was clear that Governor Makinde’s message resonated with the graduating students and their families. The emphasis on skills acquisition, preparation for global challenges, and the unwavering support of the government for education rang out as core themes of the event. Leaders across sectors reiterated that education remains the engine of opportunity and growth for Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
What happens next will depend on continued collaboration between government, educational institutions, and civil society to ensure that Nigeria’s youth are not just academically certified but genuinely empowered to navigate a competitive world. The challenge now is to transform good intentions into lasting, tangible improvements in students’ lives and in the broader society.
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